On 16 May 2022, Jordan welcomed the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), a WCO flagship programme funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), aimed at fostering and facilitating international trade, through the implementation and application of international standards and best practices.

Within the framework of the GTFP’s light touch intervention in Jordan, the WCO will support the Jordan Customs Department in developing a procedure allowing for expedited release of goods entered through air cargo facilities, thus aligning with the WTO TFA Article 7.8 on Expedited Shipments.

The Regional Head of the Swiss Cooperation, the Director General of the Jordan Customs Department and high-level Customs officers participated at the Programme’s official kick-off meeting.

This session will be followed by a 5-day technical assistance mission, which will consist of reviewing the current legal framework and identifying opportunities to  facilitate the movement of goods entered through the air cargo facilities while ensuring their safety and security through the application of relevant risk parameters.

The intervention in Jordan will not only improve the country’s compliance with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), but will also support the national efforts to foster economic development, enhance the investment climate and national competitiveness.

For more information on the GTFP, please, contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.